When is it ok to buy 2nd hand turbo?

[Crazykent]

Looking way ahead for when the money comes in to put a turbo on my vz ss ute but had a thought that maybe i could save a bunch of money buying 2nd hand.if it weren't too bad of an idea, but i dont know?

Im not planning on changing the transmission to suit but would a stage 2 shift kit and a stall converter help save me from ruining it too quickly?

And how many kw's should i aim for without A) having more power than i can use on (public roads) B) so i dont break things to quickly.

I dont do burnouts or drive like an idiot i just like having power behind my foot for when i feel like a bit of excitement.

[white lie]

Can save some money buying second hand but it really helps to know what you're looking at. Otherwise a low mileage, brand name turbo may be OK but wouldn't hurt to get it looked over before bolting it on.

Shift kit won't do anything for gearbox longevity and if you want firmer shifts just get it adjusted in the tune. Just run decent fluid, change it often and get the biggest cooler on there you can find. Heat is the #1 killer of these boxes.

Power is an individual issue. Some may say 300rwhp is enough for the street, I've got 500 and it's no problem. Obviously the higher you push things, the quicker things will break but keep it conservative with a safe tune and it can last a long time. 450-550 shouldn't be an issue at all. Aim for the lower end till you get used to it, then wind up the boost, add e85 etc for a bit more fun.

[swingtan]

When you know the full and complete history of the turbo.
When you have the full knowledge of what to look for in second hand turbos.
When you have the knowledge, skill and finances to fully rebuild the turbo, if it's required.
When you are sure the turbo is not going to self destruct and damage the rest of the motor.



Basically, I'd only buy a second hand turbo if I intended to do a full rebuild unless I knew the person selling it. Too much to loose otherwise. I'd buy a second hand kit and then get the turbo rebuilt with all parts getting checked and replaced as required.

Simon.

[Crazykent]

Can save some money buying second hand but it really helps to know what you're looking at. Otherwise a low mileage, brand name turbo may be OK but wouldn't hurt to get it looked over before bolting it on.

Shift kit won't do anything for gearbox longevity and if you want firmer shifts just get it adjusted in the tune. Just run decent fluid, change it often and get the biggest cooler on there you can find. Heat is the #1 killer of these boxes.

Power is an individual issue. Some may say 300rwhp is enough for the street, I've got 500 and it's no problem. Obviously the higher you push things, the quicker things will break but keep it conservative with a safe tune and it can last a long time. 450-550 shouldn't be an issue at all. Aim for the lower end till you get used to it, then wind up the boost, add e85 etc for a bit more fun.

Ok well i know less than nothing so that fixes that.

Oh ok i thought it was more like putting heavy duty parts in your box but now you say that i recall being told a cooler being most important. Ill definately get one those, gonna be price no matter what may aswell do the obvious things.

Whats bigger/smaller turbos all about? or is it just about psi up or down?

[Crazykent]

When you know the full and complete history of the turbo.
When you have the full knowledge of what to look for in second hand turbos.
When you have the knowledge, skill and finances to fully rebuild the turbo, if it's required.
When you are sure the turbo is not going to self destruct and damage the rest of the motor.



Basically, I'd only buy a second hand turbo if I intended to do a full rebuild unless I knew the person selling it. Too much to loose otherwise. I'd buy a second hand kit and then get the turbo rebuilt with all parts getting checked and replaced as required.

Simon.

Ok fair enough. Im going to go brand new then. just need to know how far i should go with it from the start so i dont have to get it dynoed again.

I ran it low on oil once, now im not sure but i think its making a ticking noise. Is that anything to worry about? or is it a worry if im putting a turbo on it?
i suppose theres nothing i can do about it now is there just drive it till it stops.